Executive Dysfunction (improved for some)
Users on Reddit report a variety of experiences regarding executive dysfunction while on GLP-1 medications, with many noting improvements in symptoms often associated with ADHD, such as impulsivity, food noise, and task initiation. However, some users also report negative impacts like fatigue or no change in certain ADHD symptoms.
Improved Executive Function and Reduced ADHD-like Symptoms:
Quieted "Food Noise" and Improved Focus: A significant number of users reported a reduction in "food noise," which they felt improved their ability to focus. "I’m on Rybelsus (pill, not injectable) and it’s done WONDERS for my executive functioning. Not just the food noise--it’s quieted a bunch of dopamine-seeking behavior around drinking and shopping. It turns out that when I’m not in a 24/7 fistfight with my Impulse Demons, I have more willpower to spend on things like \"chores\" and \"doing my taxes\" and \"rest that actually feels restful. \""[8] Another user on Zepbound mentioned, "Immediately after starting Zepbound I had an improvement in task initiation, focus, and mood. "[14] A user on tirzepatide shared, "The quiet brain!!! Omg, I can get myself to focus on work once again!! "[35]
General Improvement in ADHD Symptoms: Some users explicitly stated that GLP-1s helped their ADHD symptoms. "Being on WeGovy helped ALL of my ADHD symptoms," one user reported. [22] Another said, "It has helped my symptoms a lot"[23], and someone else found, "It’s helped me tremendously! Idk how but GLP-1 meds make my mental health issues much better"[10]. One user on Mounjaro found, "planning and executing to be much easier on it. "[17]
Comparison to ADHD Medications: Some users compared the effects favorably to traditional ADHD medications. One user mentioned, "I went on Ozempic and it didn’t just help me with weight loss. I have more self control and it’s easier to avoid impulsive shopping, decision making, along with impulsive eating. My executive functioning is much better. "[20] Another user stated, "For me, ADHD medication is like 10x less magic than Ozempic... Ozempic is instant cure. \"Oh, so that is how normal people are eating! \""[11]
Reduced Dopamine-Seeking Behaviors: Users noted a decrease in various dopamine-seeking behaviors. "Yes it was useful for ADHD. Stopped any mindless eating or eating impulsively out of boredom. Took away obsessive thoughts about food and, most surprisingly, helped with general impulse control for any sort of unwanted dopamine seeking behaviors. "[13] Another found that it "stopped my shopping impulses, doom scrolling, and any of the other unwanted dopamine seeking activities. "[26]
Negative or Neutral Experiences with Executive Dysfunction:
No Change or Worsening of Some ADHD Symptoms: Not all users found improvements in all areas. One user stated, "All food noise, and impulsive eating, drinking, and shopping behaviors diminished. I felt satisfied. Did not affect ADHD symptoms outside of those things. I still stared off into space, avoided tasks, lacked focus or prioritization, etc etc etc. "[37] Another user felt, "the glp-1 pretty much negates my ADHD stimulant... a year into the glp i struggle hard core to stay on track. "[16]
Impact on ADHD Medication Efficacy: Some users noticed a change in how their ADHD medication worked. "it's great for food noise but I notice my strattera isn't as effective and I think it's because it's not being absorbed by my body like it's supposed to because of the gastric slowness"[27]. Another said, "Meds take HOURS to kick in"[25].
Emotional Blunting/Depressed Mood: A user mentioned, "it also feels like the medication suppresses emotions a bit. "[5] Another described a "joyless life" and that "not getting a reward from doing even healthy activities, makes it much harder to do anything at all. "[33]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
Adjusting ADHD Medication Timing: Due to slowed gastric emptying, some users found they needed to adjust when they took their ADHD medication. "I do have to take my meds earlier in the day so it has more time to kick in before work. "[21]
Consider Combination Therapy: Some users found a combination of GLP-1s and ADHD medication to be beneficial. "I've been on Vyvanse for a few years - helped a lot with ADHD symptoms generally - but made my binge eating and other impulsive issues worse. I started Zepbound about 3 months ago. The combination has brought so much peace to my life. "[28]
Lifestyle Adjustments for Side Effects: For general well-being, users recommended healthy habits. "Now, I weightlift, eat a lot of meat, fruits, veggies, and fats, and I drink a lot of water. Without these things, my body would not have recovered. "[7]
Awareness of Potential for Worsened Mood/Anxiety: One user, a psychologist, noted, "some worsening depression, some improving it; several with increased anxiety. " They also experienced initial insomnia and some days of intense depression. [34] Another user mentioned, "Be careful that it can make depression worse for a few days. "[32]
It's important to note that experiences are highly individual. Some users found Zepbound (tirzepatide), which acts on GIP and GLP-1 receptors, to be particularly effective for executive function improvements.
Improved Executive Function and Reduced ADHD-like Symptoms:
- Reduced Impulsivity and Compulsive Behaviors: Many users found GLP-1s helped with various compulsive behaviors beyond just eating.
Negative or Neutral Experiences with Executive Dysfunction:
- Fatigue and Low Energy: Some users experienced fatigue that could impact executive functions.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
- Prioritize Protein and Nutrition: Several users emphasized the importance of nutrition, especially protein, to combat fatigue and support overall well-being.
It's important to note that experiences are highly individual. Some users found Zepbound (tirzepatide), which acts on GIP and GLP-1 receptors, to be particularly effective for executive function improvements.